Ride of the Ford F-550 vs. F-450 - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Full-time RVing Family-wannabees · RV-Dreams Community Member

RE: Ride of the Ford F-550 vs. F-450

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:
Terry and Jo wrote:

As for the truck, you may have a dilemma. With your reference to low 20K trailer, would that also include the convertible within the trailer? If it is, a Ford F450 may be your best bet for the weight capacity that it has. Any of the MDT's and HDT's are only going to be 2WD because the only 4WD tractors that I know of are used in the oil patch and those definitely aren't built for comfort for a family. A fifth wheel manufacturer called New Horizons builds trailers that are in excess of 20,000 lbs and they do say that "some" of their models can be pulled with a Ford F450. In fact, we have a member that has a New Horizons and F450. Hopefully, they will see this and can give you an idea of their rig and its capabilities.

Terry
Terry:
Let’s clarify our terms. You, if I recall correctly, you have always referred to your F-450 as a MDT truck – albeit a “light” MDT. You did in response to one of my posts. 33K GCVWR with a 4.88 rear-end if I recall correctly. So is the F-550 a MDT because both it and the F-450 meet the 14,000 GVW capacities to be classified as an "MDT." So by definition you can purchase an MDT with the “MDT” capability, by specifications, with 4 wheel drive. Which, if I needed one, I would do – purchase one of those trucks that is. Indeed, New Horizons and Forks, for two, need MDT or "better" trucks and depending on model you can get and MDT with 4 wheel drive off the showroom floor, put in a hitch and tow. (Actually, I think Ford is now selling a 25K hitch as a "Ford" option from the dealer.)
"Just saying"
Bill

Yes, Bill. This link is a good one to give an individual an idea of the classes of trucks. In this site, Wikipedia classifies the F450 as a Class 4, the F550 as a Class 5, and the F650 as a Class 6, all of which are in the MDT category. Now, these are all based on GVWR of the truck and not on GCVW. At the time that we were researching for our truck purchase, the Ford F450 actually had a higher GCVW than the Ford F550 did. At first I was dumbfounded by that, but as I continued my research, I began to prefer the F450 for three reasons; 1. the higher GCVW of 33,000 with the 4:88 rear end, 2. the regular pickup frame instead of the "straight" frame of an F550, and 3. the fact that the F450 had a pickup bed instead of a hauler bed and windows all the way around and in a 4 door version.

Had I gone with an F550, I would have had to purchase a hauler bed, and I prefer the regular beds. Things might have changed, but at the time, the F450's also had a better ride than the Ford F550.

Terry

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lyn wrote:
Jef,
If it is helpful, since this thread was started, Dodge RAM has released an updated version of the 3500 HD with increased towing capabilities. We will likely purchase the 2014 RAM 3500 in several months, when we order our RV. I found everyone's suggestions and comments in this thread invaluable, which helped us decide on the RAM 3500 (versus the Ford 450 or 550). Further information can be found on the following forum thread http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t53424737/2013-ram-hd-the-king-of-towing-at-30000-pounds/ about the RAM 3500.

Lyn:

You raise a good point indirectly. You can't look at the side of the truck and read the badge, F-450, 3500HD, etc. and really have a clue about what the truck's specifications are. I'm anxious to see some time on the new Dodge in the field with some end user reports. In a perfect world an HDT is always a safe choice. But sometimes an HDT just doesn't fit the bill. Love to hear your experiences with the new truck when you get it including MPG and ride reports.

All good RV info for us all.

Bill

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Monday 26th of August 2013 07:26:46 AM

Neil and Connie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Rear axle weight will likely be your limiting factor. Since we have talked about it a fair amount I know your rig will be pretty similar to yours and maybe a little more with what we think you're doing. Our 450 is a couple hundred pounds over on rear axle and I think the capacity is about the sane as the 3500HD. We bumped up the rear tire pressures a bit and are well within the tire max load so all that is over is the axle. As we previously talked about we have had no issues with towing or braking.

If you want I can send you all of our weights and you can add a bit for the extra length and the genny and get a pretty good approximation of your final pin weight. You would be well within the 450 limits for everything else I believe.

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, Thanks! We anticipate purchasing a New Horizons, so Neil's weights will assist us (i.e., based on planned specs our RV will be a little heavier than Neil & Connie's rig but their weights will be helpful when evaluating our tow vehicle).

Regarding Jef's RV, I am sure Neil's New Horizons is heavier. Per an entry Jef recently made in another thread, he is looking for a previously owned tow vehicle, so the increased towing capability of the 2013 RAM 3500 is not relevant for his particular situation.

-- Edited by Lyn on Tuesday 27th of August 2013 08:04:33 PM

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Neil,

Please do share your rig weights, taking into consideration some of your adjustments afterwards. Thanks as always!

We can leverage those weights when we look at the 2014 spec for the 3500, paying particular attention to the rear axle. The RGAWR is 9,750 on the 2013 RAM 3500 model that we are looking at, I am expected the same or better on the 2014.

---

Bill,

I would be happy to post our thoughts on the RAM 3500, once we purchase and have some experience with the truck.

In the interim, if anyone has direct experience with the 2013 or 2014 RAM 3500, particularly if it is a Crew Cab Long Box 4X4 DRW, please post your thoughts here or otherwise on the forum.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Keep in mind that Neil and Connie's trailer is a New Horizons, so it is likely to be a lot heavier than what Jef will have. In fact, it may even be heavier than our Mobile Suites is.

Terry

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, a New Horizons will always be heavier than a same length DRV. Any stock DRV. Just the way it is.

Lyn if you plan to be heavier then Neil I'd reconsider an F450. Without more details on what you are planning it is hard to offer any concrete advice, but you do not want to START with a truck that is at or near its limits. You also need to make SURE you have a bed on it that works.

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack, We are not considering the F-450. We are looking at the 2014 Dodge RAM 3500 HD, with the specs likely the same or better than those listed below for the 2013 model. Nice change on the 2014 RAM 3500 HD is Kelderman rear air suspension will be an option.

2013 RAM 3500 Crew Cab Long Box 4x4 DRW (from the Dodge RAM website)

Engine: 6.7L Diesel Turbo

Transmission: ETK 6-SPD Auto HD

Axle Ratio: 4.10

GVWR: 14,000

Payload: 5,680

Base Weight: 8,321

FGAWR: 6,000

RGAWR: 9,750

GCWR: 37,500

Trailering Equip Weight: 29,010

Our New Horizons will likely not be to much heavier than Neil and Connie's; it will be a foot longer and have a few additional options (e.g., generator, solar) that will add some weight. We obviously will contrast our final RV design specs against the RAM 3500 specs, before ordering the truck.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lyn, you should not have any issues with the specs of the Dodge. Just make sure the bed clearance works. Personally, I strongly recommend that a hauler bed be included in your plans.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack Mayer wrote:
Lyn, you should not have any issues with the specs of the Dodge. Just make sure the bed clearance works. Personally, I strongly recommend that a hauler bed be included in your plans.

What Jack said. Without a doubt a hauler bed is a wonderful and practical addition. Only down side is they do cost something. We didn’t know how nice until we got one after years with the “tool boxes” and stuff in the pickup bed. It’s secure, carries more “volume” of things in a dry condition and you never habve to worry about bed rail clearance issues. BTW, a comment was made in some thread someplace; yes, you can open the saddle bag doors (the ones on the top of the wheels) with the trailer connected. You have that much clearance.

Yes, you have to worry about weight numbers unless the truck is an HDT. But regardless they are a real nice addition to the total rig operation.

BTW, when you choose a hauler bed vendor make sure their hauler bed allows for the truck’s spare to be carried. Some suppliers don’t allow for that because they don’t order the pickup version with a pickup bed from the factory. They do a “bed delete.” In the long run it saves you little real money to do a bed delete and with the pickup bed, which is removed, you get a spare tire and a spare tire carrier under the truck. Just something to consider "depending."

Bill

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lyn wrote:
Our New Horizons will likely not be to much heavier than Neil and Connie's; it will be a foot longer and have a few additional options (e.g., generator, solar) that will add some weight. We obviously will contrast our final RV design specs against the RAM 3500 specs, before ordering the truck.

Lyn:

Jack’s the NH expert, but IF you have any pin weight issues (doubt you will) NH can / will (has) put the gen set in the back, under the rig, right behind the rear axle. Don’t know if Jack “approves” of this or not. Hope he comments. Naturally that’s not as easy to get to but other than changing the oil you don’t have to get to it in a normal condition.

Just a thought

Bill

Neil and Connie · RV-Dreams Family Member

I will email our weight numbers to you.

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Neil and Connie wrote:
I will email our weight numbers to you.

Thanks Neil, Bill and Jack

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:
Lyn wrote:
Our New Horizons will likely not be to much heavier than Neil and Connie's; it will be a foot longer and have a few additional options (e.g., generator, solar) that will add some weight. We obviously will contrast our final RV design specs against the RAM 3500 specs, before ordering the truck.
Lyn:
Jack’s the NH expert, but IF you have any pin weight issues (doubt you will) NH can / will (has) put the gen set in the back, under the rig, right behind the rear axle. Don’t know if Jack “approves” of this or not. Hope he comments. Naturally that’s not as easy to get to but other than changing the oil you don’t have to get to it in a normal condition.
Just a thought
Bill

Actually, Bill I prefer that location. It has many advantages, not the least of which is opening up storage space in the front. It is easy to service since you can sit upright under the coach next to it. It is quiet enough that you really do not hear it that much in the living area, and it is away from the bed area for early morning gen starts if one is still in bed. The only issue you have to be careful about is dumping the exhaust by a "possibly" open living room window. And, really, that is not much of an issue.